Buzz noise coming from the power stearing pump area.

CALIAS69

MEMBER

4 POSTS

1997 NISSAN MAXIMA

3.0L

6 CYL

2WD

AUTOMATIC

150,000 MILES

There is a buzzing noise coming from the power steering pump. This is the area in the engine compartment on the passenger side, As I turn the steering wheel it gets louder slightly. The power steering fluid is very dark. Almost black. The belt is almost worn out as there are small chips out it.

I am wondering if flushing and replacing the fluid will correct the problem Or is it possible the belt is the problem.

Thanks Richard

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Wednesday, April 15th, 2015 AT 5:11 PM

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

EXPERT

68,494 POSTS

The belt could make noise, but I don't know about a buzzing noise. If it is that bad, I would just replace it and see if the noise goes away. Also, flushing the PS fluid can help. Make sure to use a quality product if you do it.

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Wednesday, April 15th, 2015 AT 6:18 PM

CALIAS69

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Thank you very much for your prompt reply. I appreciate it very much

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Wednesday, April 15th, 2015 AT 6:45 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Glad to help. Let me know how things work out for you.

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Thursday, April 16th, 2015 AT 6:50 AM

CALIAS69

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Hello again. Seems things are not a "simple" (for me) as first thought. Is it possible for you to help me some more. I have the car jacked up and need some more tips.
I can see the power steering pump but no "bleed" screw. I do however see the fluid line attached to the pump. Perhaps this is the way to bleed the fluid off. It is the mount style that has the bolt go through the fitting to attach it to the pump. These kinds are used on brake lines. Would you know the metric size of that bolt, because I think this is the only way to drain the fluid. Am I correct? Thank you very much for your help. It is a 1997 Nissan Maxima 3 litre. Automatic

Richard

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Thursday, April 16th, 2015 AT 10:08 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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If you want to remove the old fluid, most shops will vacuum the pump, refill, start the engine and do this several times to replace all fluid. If you want it drained, you need to remove one of the lines at the rack. As far as the line size, wow. I am thinking around 14mm

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Friday, April 17th, 2015 AT 5:38 AM

CALIAS69

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I want to thank you for your replies. No one else even attempted to reply. All others basically said to take it to a shop. You mentioned how repair shops remove a line and vacuum the fluid. I decided to remove the line attached to the "overflow" tank. Or perhaps its called something else but all it is a bottle similar to the radiator overflow bottle. This is where the fluid is filled from. The power steering fluid recirculates through this tank so I popped the hose off and drained it into a container. I refilled this drained a few times. It worked. So thanks a bunch for all the help. Very much appreciated. I will recommend your site to any one in need

Richard

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Monday, April 20th, 2015 AT 5:53 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Glad to help Rich and happy it worked for you. Let me know if you have questions in the future.